Not a lot of reading–or blogging–going on these days. Real estate has taken over my life. I miss my nightly bath time ritual of reading for at least an hour in the tub, but sometimes I can’t stay awake that long.

This week we are on vacation in Kill Devil Hill, NC (the Outer Banks) so I am getting more reading done than I probably have all year. Won’t get to read all the books I brought with me, but I am hoping to read at least half of them.

Just finished A Loaded Gun by Jerome Charyn, a biography of Emily Dickinson. I’ve also been reading Portrait of Conspiracy: Da Vinci’s Disciples by Donna Russo Morin. I’ll be starting A Simple Vow by Charlotte Hubbard soon. Other books I brought with me on vacation:

Deep Shadows by Vannetta Chapman

Anna’s Healing by Vannetta Chapman

Joshua’s Mission by Vannetta Chapman

The Strangers on Montague Street by Karen White

When Butterflies Came by Kimberley Griffiths Little

Iced Chiffon by Duffy Brown

While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax

Dad bought four books to take with him on vacation:

Daring Young Men: The Heroism and Triumph of The Berlin Airlift-June 1948-May 1949 by Richard Reeves

In Harm’s Way: The Sinking of the U.S.S. Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors by Doug Stanton

Trudy’s Promise by Marcia Preston (already read)

Vienna Prelude (Zion Covenant, Book 1) by Bodie and Brock Thoene

The Lil’ Diva brought a bag full of books with her, but not sure she will actually read them. Chatting online with friends seems to have taken over her life. The Lil’ Princess is taking a break right now.

That’s it for this edition of From the Family Bookshelf. Hope you’re all keeping up with your reading. Please feel free to share what you’re reading right now.

Hope all of you are taking these days to read a few good books. The Lil Princess (8) has already completed her reading for the library summer reading program, and the Lil Diva (10) isn’t far behind. Because the Lil Diva is going into the middle school next year, she is part of the teen program, which I’m not thrilled about, but she’s doing well. It’s the reading material I’m worried about. I definitely need to skim everything she brings home to make sure it is age appropriate–though I think my version of age appropriate might be different than the library’s.

We’re finishing up our final days on the Outer Banks and should be back in MA over the weekend. I would love it if you would share some of your summer reading with us.

Gear up for summer with this charming book about a day at the boardwalk. Author Kelly Ramsdell Fineman shares a summer day trip to the boardwalk with her lyrical rhymes. A family’s day of relaxing fun is highlighted by seeing a baby in a stroller being pushed by his mother, who is jogging in the early morning fog; blowing bubbles that fly into the air; getting treats of all kinds day or night, and so much more. Then it’s time to watch the sunset before sleepy heads go home.

At the Boardwalkis illustrated by Monica Armino. Her choice of subtle, warm colors and soft lines are perfect for this book. They are calming, yet capture all the fun of a day together. The nice details such as rosy faces, a handprinted sign at the ice cream shop, and the swirls in the puddles when kids splash as it rains, are not lost on older readers.

This is a special book that shows what life for families is all about–spending time together and creating life-long memories

Rating: 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

Hardcover:32 pages

Publisher:Tiger Tales (March 1, 2012)

ISBN-10:1589251040

ISBN-13: 978-1589251045

SRP: $12.95

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.

I’ve been a fan of Jerome Charyn’s work for a while. Right now I am reading one of his older books, BlueEyes,which has recently been released in a Kindle version. Today I am pleased to announce that Charyn’s latest book, a young adult novel entitled, Back toBataan,will be released on July 1st.

Hiding out in Riverside Park after lashing out at the boy who stole his girlfriend, Jack joins ranks with a group of vagrants and is soon under the sway of a man called the Leader, a charismatic ex-convict. You can add the book to your to-read list on Goodreads at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13613896-back-to-bataan.

The beginning of August brought about the end of our library’s summer reading program. The Lil Diva and the Lil Princess met their goals. In addition to their weekly prizes, they got a chance to attend a roller skating party at Interskate91. A picture of them participating in The Great Create, an art program offered in conjunction with the One World, Many Stories Summer Reading Program, was published in our local paper. I’ll try to post it if I can get the hubby to scan it in.

I don’t set summer reading goals because I read almost every night anyway. So far this summer I have read and reviewed:

Horrid Henry Rocks by Francesca SimonLove & War by John & Stash ElderedgeBorn Under A Lucky Moon by Dana PreciousMurder is a Family Business by Heather HavenClass Struggle by Steven VerrierCold Lonely Courage by Soren Paul PetrekThe Cause Within You by Matthew BarnettGoodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site by Sheri D. Rinker and Tom LichtenheldHis Shoes Were Far too Tight by Daniel PinkwaterGolden Daffodils by Liam MaherMister Topper, The Pot-Bellied Pig by Liam MaherPig Kahuna by Jennifer SattlerSeven Miles to Freedom by Janet HalfmannShShSh Let the Baby Sleep by Kathy StemkeFalling through Ice by Carolyn Huebner RankinSea Monster’s First Day by Kate MessnerSad Dog Happy Dog by Kathleen PorterBad Spelling by Marva DasefHorrid Henry Wakes the Dead by Francesca SimonStilts by Dixie PhilipsVoices from the Land by Jan MarquartHow to Encourage Your Husband compiled by Nancy CampbellIn the St. Nick of Time by K.M. DaughtersMy Brother the Frog by Kevin McNamee

I’ve read and haven’t yet reviewed:

My Dearest Friend by Hazel Statham

Peter: Rock Star from Galilee by Sherree Funk

The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb by Melanie Benjamin

Your Average Joe Unplugged by Joseph Schneller

I am currently reading The Queen’s Gamble by Barbara Kyle and next up is Once We Were Kings by Ian Alexander.

How about you? Do you set summer reading goals? If yes, how did you do? Also, what were some of your favorite books you’ve read over the summer?